DIANA: The “People’s Princess” was chosen by a quarter of the population (Image: Getty)

The research was commissioned by TV channel HISTORY, to launch series two of drama Knightfall on July 2 at 9pm.

A HISTORY spokesman said: "We've got no shortage of heroes and inspirational icons to look up to.

"But sometimes, it's interesting to think back about the ones we've lost, and the impact they could have if they were around today.

"What lessons could geniuses and philanthropists from the past teach us now, if they could come back and see the state of the world?"

The poll of 2,000 adults found one in 10 would like to see Emmeline Pankhurst come back to teach women to stay strong together.

And 14% think Leonardo Da Vinci could help our inventors and scientists with their creativity.

GRANDCHILDREN: Brits want her to return so she can enjoy her grandchildren (Image: Getty)

Neil Armstrong would also be welcomed back so he could spearhead the movement towards exploring space on the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon.

Another 22% would love nothing more than Freddie Mercury to return, so he could take his rightful place as lead singer of Queen.

And 15% of the public think that John Lennon's return would be beneficial in bringing back meaning to music.

The survey also revealed the parts of British life Brits believe needs to be fixed with 46% putting the NHS at the top of the list.

Forty-four per cent believe Brexit to be the nation's most pressing issue, while one in four want climate change to be addressed ahead of anything else.

But with Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt currently poised to be the next Prime Minister, four in 10 Brits would vote for Winston Churchill without a moment's thought.

The study, via OnePoll, also revealed that leading figures of years gone by were better at getting things done than their modern day equivalents.

HISTORY's spokesman added: "Of course, you have to be careful when looking back at figures from the past, in case one views them through rose-tinted glasses.

"While Winston Churchill had many remarkable qualities, politics today is hugely different from how it was in the 30s and 40s.

"And it's the same for many others on the list – William Shakespeare may have no idea how to write a play suitable for modern audiences, but I'm sure he would be gratified so see how enduring and adapted for stage and screen, his own works have been to the present day."